I'm no psychologist and certainly not a psychiatrist lol but my view is that we are what we are and even if we were lighter we'd find something else to worry about, feel guility about etc. Not a great prognosis but it's difficult to change our genes.

The best thing we all can do is to remind ourselves we're ok people and try and not be too hard on ourselves as everyone is far from perfect. The only thing you can do is to and surround yourself with loving caring people who support you no matter what, hard to find but once you have them never let them go.

I have had long term issues with depression. Like carrying around 100 extra pounds didn't have anything to do with it. LOL

I was wondering if anyone is dealing with the sadness, tiredness, ,guilt and frustrations with being over weight?

I was thinking about how wonderful it is to have the buddy's here. Being able to share our feelings with this journay together.

Thank you all!!!! Denice

I'm sure the two things are intertwined, but weight issues and depression may have two different solutions. I think the You on a Diet book is really promising as a step toward moving toward weight goals.

As for the depression, there are several things to look at. One is support network. Having good friends and/or supportive family is a priority. Finding a really good therapist is another important thing if the depression is persistent. This can be tricky, as therapists have the same range of competency as any other profession, but if you find a good therapist with whom you have a good rapport it can be really helpful. Also, if you have a spiritual/religious life and community that can be another good source of support.

Hello Cowgirlspur......I am in the same boat and I have been dealing with depression for a long time. At first I did not want to take any medicine.....Iv'e worked in the medical field as a surgical technician for almost 30 years. I finally talked to my doctor and I am on 2 meds that are a life saver. I still have some and fight it everyday. The meds has helped when I come off of them it is so much worse for me. I have no friends that understand....so it would be nice to have a buddy that we could share our feelings. I would welcome you Denice.Thanks.......Sandy

Sandy:Thank you for your comment. It is nice to hear someone else is dealling witht he same things I am and also trying to lose wt.

I am a horrible buddy. I am so discurouage right now. I have not even finished the book or followed the diet at all. I have just recently recieved a promotion and leaning the new in and outs of it has kept me very busy and too tired to get online in the evening. BUT... if you want to try I am game.

I too have suffered from depression for over 4 years now. Alot of things led up to my seeking advice from my doctor and going on med's. My husband and I moved from my hometown 2 years ago and it helped me alot!! Now I've weaned off the meds, "paxil" was a tough one to quit ... I don't envy anyone out there having to do the same! I do understand you though ... the night sweats, nightmares, mood swings, headaches, body aches, etc. were horrible. I read alot on withdrawal from paxil, and got advice from my doctor but let me tell you - that is one medication I will never take again!! It worked wonderful while I was on it - but the withdrawal is frightening! It took more than 8 weeks to be rid of all the side effects. I stopped in March and only now do I feel (normal).Don't kid yourself, I still feel depressed (some days more than others), but in a world full of stress it's tough not to be depressed now and again. I'm learning how to deal with it without med's. It has been an up and down battle. So, I understand what everyone is dealing with.I am going to start walking again and I'm still eating healthy. Although, I think I'm going to really watch my portions. I haven't lost anything, but my husband has lost 10lbs. So, I'm thinking, since I've been a "Weight Watcher" before, I'm going back, this Wednesday!! And I'm going to incorporae "YOAD" into the program. They're both very similar.....so here it goes.I have to tell you, most days my depression stems from my weight .... I hate what I look like (and feel like) .... especially now that the warm weather has arrrived. I am so tired of "weight" being all I seem to think about ... upon waking in the morning and the last thing I think about at night!!! So, along with all of you, today I started back on track again!!! Here's hoping this time IS different!Good luck to all .... have a great daySusanne

Hi Its really tough. I too, suffer from depression and for years have refused medication. but January 2006, I gave in and started medication. Have to tell you, that I can deal with things much better. Still feel "bad" sometimes, but at least Idont stay up nights worrying about every little thing I cant control anyway. BUt I think the meds are slowing my weight loss process. I am losing at snails pace. And on top of that I quit smoking in Jan 2007. But this is my year to work on me... so I am happy.

I was good for 4-6 weeks then I went on clomid and then on hell broke loose. All the things I thought I was over and had gotten past were back on top and needed to be dealt with. The conclusion I believe for all this is I can't have any expectations of my father, my father who has been an adsents in my life for over half my life, is now back and before he was abusive on so many ways... but he is acting repentant and a girl wants the love of a father... But it takes alot to get beyond the past, hence the no expectations, then I can be grateful of what he can and might give.So now it is August and I am hopeful that I can turn the page and move forward loosing weight. Thanks for having this forum.

With me the weight is a result of the depression, rather than the cause, but it still is a bit of a viscious circle - if I was slimmer i would be happier and more condfident (Yah - like that'll happen!!)

I've been on meds for about 4 years now, and no where near coming off them - I have far more issues to deal with before that happens (I was sexually abused as a child and it still has a huge effect on me even 22 years after it stopped!).

Having said that, with the superb support I've got I am feeling so much more confident and comfortable and have decided that i am going to lose some weight, and hopefully my partner will as well, as he is also over weight (and another depression sufferer).

I suffered from depression for years but found it was really anxiety & depression, the two usually go hand in hand. I didn't want medication either b/c I was told you are on it for life. I ordered the cd's from the Midwest Center, etc. with Lucinda Barrett. It is expensive but if you let them know you can't afford it, they will continually keep dropping the price until it's affordable (about $100, you'd spend a lot more on medication) b/c I beleive they really do want to get the message out.

It changed my life...didn't know how to cope with things and would stress out very easily, couldn't enjoy much. The cd's teach you how to talk to yourself and not constantly barrage yourself with negative thoughts. Now I'm happy and healthy.One good rule of thumb, talk to yourself the way you would talk to a loved one or a good friend. You wouldn't beat them up verbally the way you to do yourself.

Last, losing weight won't cure your depression but it does help you feel better about yourself. There's a reason why we turn to food, alchohol or drugs so you have to fix yourself mentally, not just physically.

I've suffered from long term depression (bi-polar II) and have been on and off Prozac for the last 10 years. Since being on Prozac my weight escalated from a dress size 10/12 to 20/22. I think a combination of the anti-depressants, mood swings and me being an emotional eater has determined my current obesity. Earlier this year in an attempt to regain control of my eating habits and possibly help my IBS I sought the help of a local nutritionalist who suggested a low GI diet diet along and me taking various supplements to help with my medical problems.

One of the things he suggested was a supplement called 5-HTP - having looked into this natural alternative to regular anti-depressants and talking it over with my pharmacist (my doctor is not helpful in matters like this) I decided to wean slowly off my prescribed anti-depressants and gradually introduce the 5-HTP.

I can honestly say that although the first couple of months were quite difficult with my mood swings - it has all now settled down and I the 5-HTP is definately helping to level my moods out. I do not feel as depressed and the debilitating side effects from the Prozac have now completely gone.

Since being on 5-HTP I have felt more inclined to make significant changes to my life particularly with me starting my weight loss goal. I have now found that the GI-diet is also helping significantly with my health in general. Apparently the whole thing about GI is about levelling out the blood sugar so which in turn levels out the entire body's chemistry - in particular serotonin which is one of the brain's main neurotransmitters and fluctuations in this is what causes mood swings.

Furthermore serotonin is prevalent in the gut, and as my IBS(-D) is mood related and triggered by certain foods I determined that there must be some link with the depression.

My conclusion (and I am just a long term patient, and not medically trained) is that on levelling my serotonin with the help of 5-HTP and the GI diet has made a HUGE positive difference to my wellbeing. And guess what - I'm also losing weight which feels bloody wonderful after hiding behind this spare tyre for the last 10 years.

I hope this is of interest/help to anyone who is suffering similar problems and has exhausted other avenues. Please note that you should not alter your medication without consultation with your Doctor. There is a great deal of information freely available on the internet about 5-HTP.

Thank you. My sister suffers and tried one form of medication recently and it didn't work. Not sure if she didn't stay on them long enough but her emotions were more out of control then before so she stopped taking them. I'll pass this along to her.